10/09/2026
Welcome to the maiden voyage of the Summer Kayaking Diaries. Paddling from Sai Kung to Shek O.
The premise is simple: Our guide Rory has taken his trusty seasoned sea kayak out for a sporadic, ad-hoc loop around Hong Kong. No massive, multi-day expedition pressure. Just him, a paddle and whatever the day throws his way.
“The journey started where the kayak lives: Sha Ha Beach in Sai Kung. The sun was blazing, the energy was high, and nature immediately decided to test my resolve.
From Sharp Island, it was time to face the music. The crossing past Shelter Island (Ngau Mei Chau) is a big, exposed piece of water. The wind was whipping up whitecaps, and the kayak’s seasoned hull was flexing into the rollers. It was an epic, arm-burning crossing, but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being entirely isolated out there, rhythmic paddling keeping you moving forward inch by inch.
After surviving the open water chop around Clear Water Bay, I pulled into the sheltered haven of Po Toi O. If you have never been, Po Toi O is a traditional, sleepy fishing village tucked into a deep bay, famous for its seafood.
As the afternoon began to soften, it was time for the final push. I paddled out out of Clear Water Bay towards Tung Lung Chau, the rugged island that guards the entrance to the bustling Tathong Channel.
This is where the plan got even better. I have a friend who lives in Shek O, and he paddled across from Shek O on a stand-up paddle board (SUP) to rendezvous with me.
Hitting the beach at Shek O with the sun dropping behind the hills was a banging way to get the ball rolling on this series. The old kayak survived its first major test.”
(Original Music created by Rory)
